André Greipel: Mark Cavendish "is still the fastest"

André Greipel has come in support of his former rival, stating that he thinks Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team's best option is to take Mark Cavendish back to the Tour de France this year.

On an interview with Wielerflits, the former German rider has pointed out to the Briton's form: "You could clearly see in the Tour of Oman that Mark is still the fastest. I see no reason to leave him at home."

"I saw early last year that he was back on the level. I was called crazy when I said that, but look how many Tours sprints he won. It's not my decision, but I wouldn't think it smart not to take him to France," he added, pointing to Cavendish's four stage wins at the Tour last year after what was one of the greatest comeback stories in recent cycling history.

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"I think in QuickStep we usually go with one sprinter. but that can always change. It’s not my decision. We have a long list with I think fourteen names. I’m not the only sprinter on that list."

Cavendish has won stage two of the Tour of Oman however in a field where Fernando Gaviria was the only riders at the same level. At the UAE Tour this week the team will have a much better idea of his level, which unless is incredibly high, is unlikely to set up Cavendish for the Tour as Fabio Jakobsen is rumoured to be the selected sprinter for the race. On the opening day the signs were not good as Cavendish failed to be in the Top10.

Greipel added: "But it’s on the planning, which means I don’t prepare for the Giro, I prepare for the Tour. And if I’m not good enough, then I don’t go. I guess we’ll see. The summer is still a long way away and you never know what happens. But I’m now in the Algarve and I’m enjoying it. The summer is something next."